MOSCOW (Realist English). Russian President Vladimir Putin held a videoconference on September 26 with 21 regional leaders elected in the September 14 nationwide vote. He congratulated the governors on their victories and outlined key priorities, including strengthening sovereignty, supporting the military and the families of servicemen, implementing national projects, and fulfilling electoral promises.
“People clearly expect the continuation of the country’s strategic development course. It is very important to justify this trust — we must work with full dedication,” Putin said.
The president highlighted the launch of new national projects in 2025, stressing that significant resources are being allocated. “People should see tangible results where they live — renewed schools and kindergartens, modernized hospitals and clinics, new roads, and improved housing conditions,” he noted.
Putin also called for integrating veterans of the special military operation into regional administrations. He urged governors to involve participants of the “Time of Heroes” program, saying their “firm inner principles must serve as guidelines for all those in power today.”
Several governors presented local initiatives. Irina Gekht, head of the Nenets Autonomous Area, invited Putin to visit for the region’s 100th anniversary. Evgeny Pervyshov, governor of Tambov Region, announced the launch of the “Heroes of Tambov” program and plans for a special economic zone. Maria Kostyuk, head of the Jewish Autonomous Region, reported progress on a graphite cluster and a 41% rise in tourist numbers. Rustam Minnikhanov, leader of Tatarstan, cited a 2.9% increase in gross regional product and a grain harvest exceeding 4.5 million tons.
“Your successes on the ground directly determine the success of the entire country. People carefully listened to the promises during the campaigns and now expect them to be fulfilled,” Putin concluded.
